Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Today at 11AM three people that I consider to be friends, Shirley Moore, Earl Richey and David McGonigle, will be filing a formal Notice of Intent with City Hall to circulate a petition calling for the complete repeal of Sierra Madre's Utility Users Tax.

That is, repeal what is left of the UUT. This on the heels of the stunning defeat of Measure UUT last April. Finally making utility taxes in Sierra Madre, which originally were supposed to be only temporary, yet somehow never went away, a thing of the past. In the process bringing to an end the way things have been done around here for quite a while.

Once this petition is passed around town and the necessary amount of signatures gathered, it will be filed with the appropriate election authorities and, come this November, you'll be able to actually vote on whether or not City Hall will still be able to tax folks for things like cell phone usage, gas, water, trash removal and electricity. A stone cold peoples' verdict on taxation, just like what happens in real democracies. As opposed to what we find so often from that greedy pussyfooting one party oligarchy known as Los Angeles County.

Here is how this Notice of Intent reads:

The three signatories are Shirley, Earl and David. They will not have any problem getting the necessary signatures to put this on the ballot. There will be much controversy, histrionics and plain old bellyaching from all of the usual suspects, but it is going happen.

So do I think that their initiative will get enough votes to actually pass this November? As it stands right now, I doubt it. Measure UUT was defeated by a mere 76 votes, a very slim margin. It would not take that large of a change in the numbers to keep the remaining 6% UUT in place.

And even though much of the utility tax money paid to the City of Sierra Madre actually goes for things like platinum CalPERS pension accounts and $36,000 a year employee health care plans (an obscenely large sum and to date likely the most expensive of its kind in California), there are people here who will be led to believe that an end to utility taxes could deprive them of public safety services and whatever else it is that the City provides for them in return.

However, this isn't a completely hopeless case. There is one scenario where I could see this actually happening. And that is if this initiative were to become a kind of protest against something else. Particularly if it becomes a protest vote against the kinds of predatory development being pushed by the City. Specifically, the McMansion developments at One Carter, Stone House and Mater Dolorosa.

Look at it this way. We keep electing City Councilmembers that ran their races as slow growth advocates. Probably because they knew that is what most Sierra Madreans like to hear. Yet once in office they invariably flip and become enablers of the very kinds of development that they ran against.

There are notable exceptions of course. Some Councilmembers do keep their word and fight hard to keep this community the way people here actually prefer it. But somehow they are almost always in the minority.

So how can the people of this town stop overdevelopment and a wholesale destructive McMansionization of entire areas of this city? Good question. Apparently it cannot be done by electing City Councilmembers. Not enough of them ever seem to stay true to the promises they made on the topic when they first ran for office.

Which is why what we are being given today by Shirley, Earl and David offers the residents of Sierra Madre an option. Because if a majority of the City Council refuses to honor its slow growth election promises to protect Sierra Madre from McMansionization next Tuesday evening, and rather sells us out to the developers for development impact fees and other juicy financial considerations, then of what possible use are they to us?

In which case we might as well just take away their utility tax revenue. I mean, why would anyone want to pay perfectly good money to people who, once elected, refused to honor their promises on so important a matter? Who, for all intents and purposes, lied to us to get our votes? Especially when we are talking about preserving a way of life that most who live here value so dearly?

Quid pro quo. This for that.

I think we are going to learn many interesting things at that July 8City Council meeting. It just might put everything into a brand new light for a whole lot of people.

Wonderrful !Congratulations to these 3 Civic minded and Action oriented citizens. Of course I shall sign it !And I'll help you get others to sign also. It will be a subtle reminder to Goss , Capocia and Harabedian to serve those who elected them, not their political masters nor to indulge their closet views.

Nice to see three people who follow their heart. Repealing the UUT will mean that we will no longer have our own police department. Can we put something on the ballot to contract out before we find ourselves in a weak position in negotiations? If we are at the point where we have to dissolve the police department we will HAVE to contract out, and then the contract cities can boost the price. If we can't afford that price, then we run a risk of the state meddling in our affairs and even run a small risk of bankruptcy or being forced to unincorporate. Might be a good idea to grab the bull by the horns now and cut loose the city's most costly expense.

I think if they really put pencil to paper the SMPD could come up with a competitive offer. They'll need to bid for the job with everyone else, of course. With the taxpayers calling the shots, things will be different.

From what I gather, the PD has cost the city a lot of money due to suits against it. No one seems to know how much. It's nice to have our own PD, but is it now feasible with what the union has allowed as perks. I'm sure the chief retired from another job. Does he get benefits from there as well as the city? What we are taxed for UUT goes to pay for these benefits. It should be going to repair the water system. As city employees pay and benefits rise, we get taxed more but nothing gets done in the city.

They must collect 10% of the registered voters. I think they have 90 days to do that. A problem that they will have is that we have almost as many registered voters in the city as residents. The reason for this is the county has not updated the voter list. A lot of dead people and those that have moved are still on the roster.

sure, candidates say they are "slow growth" but when we keep electing political junkie lawyers, utility company employees, commercial bankers, mortgage salesmen, construction company owner, building industry lobbyist...etc...etc

why are we surprised or offended when they are actual "fast growth" and really don't care what you or I think or want for the city?

Harabedian was murky with his ethics when he ran and when it was called out he was still voted in.

Goss said he would not take any outside endorsements or $ yet he did and he was called out on it he was still voted in.

Our problem is that the real estate crowd and those previous Councilmembers push and find candidates that continue their agendas for the city - SCAG goals to double our population. Every election we have choices that arent' good for the city yet that is all we have so we try to elect the lesser of the evils yet we always lose.

This could also be done IF the current city council enacts the phase 3 only. We would then have our backs against the wall...everyone in Sierra Madre would be adversely affected.We could also wait until around October, so as to have at least 3 months in cool weather to get signatures. It could be easily done at that time, easier than Measure V was, and we got well over the number of signatures we needed for that.Mid summer is not the optimal time to do this, but we will have to do what we have to do. We can't continue to let this corrupt city hall and city council run Sierra Madre into ruin.Thanks, Shirley, Earl and David......you'll have a lot of support.To the city council.......do the RIGHT THING, even if you've been paid off to do otherwise. You can't and you won't get away with this. MORITORUM now. All three of them!!!!!!!

No money in this game. Not a realtor, lawyer, developer, etc. Just a regular retired 50 year resident who really pays attention to what is going on in the City. There was a police dept. and a library before the UUT. However, the voters voted to have paramedics instead of our EMT's who could be fire dept. volunteer trained. We now have paid paramedics (who only get minimum wage, by the way), and a mostly paid fire department due to county regulations. addition to that, because the City Staff were unionized thanks to a prior city manager, there has to be negotiations over hours, pay, and benefits. Nothing wrong with that, however, it has gotten out of hand. The City does not have any other source of funds over and above property tax and a meager sales tax revenue. I think 6% is an adequate amount to be able to sustain the paramedics, fire, road repair, and have a bit left over for emergency funds.

From one who has walked just about every block in the City for one reason or another including City Council candidates, no on UUT, prop 218 petitions for no on water rate raise, State and Local Candidates, plus attending planning, council, special meetings, and budget meetings.

3:41 are you kidding? Yes, I'd love to see the paramedics contracted out, but they are NOT those earning the platinum pensions, most of them work full time for another agency and don't get benefits from Sierra Madre

The most insidious thing about the UUT is the stealth way it increase over time. Because the UUT rate is a percentage of one's utility bill, when the utility rates increase, why so does the UUT amount received. If this tax were a flat tax amount, it would not increase each time the utility rates increase. So, when the electric company, the phone company, the gas company, and the water company (just to name a few) increase their rates, the city receives more money from the UUT tax assessment. It's a good deal for the City.

With apologies to Robert Palmer:Might as well face it, you're addicted to UUTMight as well face it, you're addicted to UUTMight as well face it, you're addicted to UUTMight as well face it, you're addicted to UUTMight as well face it, you're addicted to UUT

The politically ambitious Mayor Harabedian will have to deliver bigtime for our various city employee unions before he is taken seriously by the Democratic Central Committee of Los Angeles. To use the mob term, he needs to "earn" before he becomes a made man. That's how it works in corrupt one party L.A. There is no way in hell that he will go for a moratorium on development. That fix is in. City Hall needs to development impact fees to cover $36,000 health plans. His sock it to the ratepayer Phase 3 will be turned off just as soo as the first big McMansion project is ready to go live. Defeat the UUT. Teach these bums a lesson they need to learn.

I was a proponent and major supporter of the recent NO on UUT increase. However, I am completely opposed to this ill conceived repeal of the UUT. Times have changed. In 1975 property tax contributed 15% of city revenues. Now it is just 7% and simply does not provide the amount of revenue needed for our small city with almost no sales tax base.

This is a fools errand. Don't think for a moment that you will be a hero here in town. If you had any sense you would know that you are being used for someone else's agenda. You will be mocked and scorned for even thinking about compromising our city and our way of life here. The UUT in its present form sunsets to a reasonable level.

For all of you who have their hands over their ears and eyes and saying nanana I can't hear you, 12:58 is a logical reasonable argument against doing away with the UUT. I agree with her completely. Sometimes it would be well to listen to the other side.

At 6% its $1.6 million which is 20% of the General Fund. Since much of the City expenditures are fixed and required by law, loss of the UUT will lead to a reduction in the police force of over 20% because other areas cannot be cut by that amount.

12:58 or 12:59 confused at best. Looking ahead at what possibe open space is still available in town and how the political game ties in with money; the city will have a larger property tax base. The poor decisions made by a few in the the city has created a small sales ties tax base. I agree with 3:24pm except for the 6% and I believe that being reasonable left when ordinary folk were made to feel unwelcome as volunteers in this town. I will sign the pettion.

People are overthinking this. A lot of folks are just sick to death of all the lies coming out of City Hall. $36,000 health plan? Guess what. The gravy train just hit the wall. We are taking all that away.

What's Best for Junior?

10% UUT

Dude

Pasa-Madre?

You Can Compare Sierra Madre's Utility Tax Rates

The MuniServices.com site has a feature that allows you to compare Sierra Madre's utility tax rates with those of other cities. This nifty little service lets you see not only just how high our utility tax rates are, but that they are also the highest in California. Click here and have at it.

Preserve Sierra Madre Yard Signs Now Available

(Click on graphic above to connect.)

Wear one for Chris Holden!

The Process

Tattler Advertising Rates

From time to time people get in touch with me hoping to place an ad on The Tattler. Until now I have gently explained that no advertising is accepted here because it would detract from the volunteer nature of the project. However, I have now reconsidered, and this blog will take advertising, but only at what I call a "motivated monthly rate." Here is that rate schedule:

2" x 4" ---- $500

2" x 6" ---- $1,000

2" x 8" ---- $1,500

Banner ---- $2,500

If these rates seem reasonable to you, then please contact us at sierramadretattler@gmail.com Thanks!

Now On Neuroblast

Loading...

Neuroblast Films

If you're interested in Sierra Madre politics (and if you're reading The Tattler chances are pretty good that you are), you owe it to yourself to check out the Neuroblast Films site on You Tube. It features some key filmed moments from recent Sierra Madre history, all from the perspective of those who love the place. Be sure to rate the films and leave comments. Click on "videos" to see the entire inventory, there is a lot available. Another fine website for you to enjoy!http://www.youtube.com/neuroblastfilms

The Tattler Supports Radio Free Americana

Here is how they describe it: "Free-form, commercial-free music at 128 kbps CD-quality, featuring new and classic releases of Americana, Alt. Country, Indie/College Rock, Power Pop, Blues, Folk, Outsider, and other forms of mostly twang-infested, alternative music. From pure pop for now people to pure slop for cow people; from three chords and the truth to two chords and a sack of lies; non-discriminating free-form radio for the discriminating listener. Because, what's not to like about power pop with steel guitars?"

Welcome To Budget Town

California Jobs of the Day

Elizabeth Wistar Comix

MVN Columnist Rich Johnson Speaks Out On the Importance of the Sierra Madre Tattler

"My last submission supported the blog in that it provides another viewpoint on issues of interest to Sierra Madreans. If it is right or wrong is immaterial. If it gets you involved in the process of being a citizen it is important."

(6/18/11)

Please remember that when posting on The Tattler:

Quotes On Government

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - George Orwell

"What we call civilized society is in reality a vast insane asylum held together at the points of guns." - Vito Caporale

"In our civilization, and under our form of government, intelligence is so highly honored that it is rewarded by exemption from the cares of office." - Ambrose Bierce

"It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them." - Mark Twain

"I would rather lose in a cause that will someday win, than win in a cause that will someday lose." - Woodrow Wilson

"The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it's so rare." - Daniel P. Moynihan

"There's no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you." - Will Rogers

"My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on." - John F. Kennedy

"Ask not what the government can do for you. Ask why it doesn't. - Gerhard Kocher

"The best minds in government? If any were, business would hire them away." - Ronald Reagan

"Government is not the doctor. It is the disease." - H.S. Ferns

"A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government." - Edward Abbey

"Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under." - Henry Luis Mencken

"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." - Winston Churchill

"The most important political office is that of private citizen." - Louis Brandeis

"Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what it is you think you want to hear." - Alan Coren

"You don't pay taxes - they take taxes." - Chris Rock

Readings

"Take stock of those around you and you will ... hear them talk in precise terms about themselves and their surroundings, which would seem to point to them having ideas on the matter. But start to analyse those ideas and you will find that they hardly reflect in any way the reality to which they appear to refer, and if you go deeper you will discover that there is not even an attempt to adjust the ideas to this reality. Quite the contrary: through these notions the individual is trying to cut off any personal vision of reality, of his own very life. For life is at the start a chaos in which one is lost. The individual suspects this, but he is frightened at finding himself face to face with this terrible reality, and tries to cover it over with a curtain of fantasy, where everything is clear. It does not worry him that his 'ideas' are not true, he uses them as trenches for the defense of his existence, as scarecrows to frighten away reality." - Jose Ortega y Gasset

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." - Soren Kierkegaard

Downtown Investors Club

Do the unexpected

The View Here

Follow by Email

Fools

If you didn't like what you've seen here, click on the 'X' for some important information.